Plant-Based Interview with Dr. Steven Lome

The following is an interview with plant-based physician Dr. Steven Lome, a Cardiovascular Disease Specialist at the Rush-Copley Medical Center.

Read on to learn how he is sharing the plant-based message and helping people take control of their health with a whole food, plant-based lifestyle.

Could you share a bit about yourself and what you do?

I am a preventative cardiologist in the Rush Health System in the Chicagoland area. I focus on prevention and reversal of heart disease using whole food plant based diets and other lifestyle changes. I founded a non-profit organization Plant Based Nutrition Movement (PBNM.org) in June 2018 which is quickly spreading across America and authored HeartStrong.com, a free online do-it-yourself intensive cardiac rehab program.

What initially led you to a plant-based diet and lifestyle?

Obese at 265 lbs, I was unsuccessful in losing weight following USDA dietary guidelines and consuming unhealthy foods in moderation…then I watched Forks Over Knives and my life changed. I transitioned to a whole food plant based diet immediately and lost weight to my ideal body weight in a short time.

Has going plant-based changed your life in any significant way and, if so, how?

After educating myself on the scientific evidence supporting a whole food plant based diet free of oil, I have dedicated my career to using this powerful tool to transform the health of my patients. Not only is my personal energy and health optimal, but I strive to help my patients achieve the same.

I moved my practice to the Rush University Health System to work with Dr. Kim Williams, past ACC* President and powerful plant based diet leader. Having difficulty integrating plant based diet initiatives into my clinical practice, I founded PBNM.org. Plant Based Nutrition Movement (PBNM.org) aims to organize a combined effort of healthcare providers and community members to promote lifestyle changes to improve the health of America fighting the current epidemic of chronic disease with whole food plant based nutrition. We have many aggressive initiatives and are spreading across America. Everyone should consider starting a group in their local area. This organization is now where my passion lies.

(*American College of Cardiology)

What are the benefits you have witnessed in patients once they go plant-based? How long does it often take to start seeing those changes?

Patients with severe angina (chest pain from coronary artery blockages) can eliminate their symptoms in 2-4 weeks. Energy levels increase. They get dizzy and may pass out from low blood pressures or low blood sugars. Weight drops quickly and energy levels rise. Constipation always goes away. They say you know you are doing good on a plant based diet when it takes you longer to pee than it does to poop.

What is the best advice you have for someone new to this lifestyle?

Everybody is different, so I give different advice to each. Highly motivated individuals I recommend going all in immediately on a plant based diet. For those more resistant I simply encourage consuming more plant foods with a clear goal of eventually reaching a 100% plant based diet.

What does a typical day of eating look like for you?

I enjoy raw oatmeal in the morning with varying fruit…quite a big bowl. I snack on veggies and hummus all day as well as fruit. Lunches vary. I enjoy whole food plant based Indian and Korean meals. Black bean burritos and minestrone soups. When busy, the PlantPure Nation frozen African stew or garden sesame noodles save the day.

What is your favourite thing about living plant-based?

I have never had a patient thank me for giving them piles of pills, however I have had numerous patients in tears of joy after reversing their disease. Empowering patients to understand the power that they personally have to control their own health is the most rewarding way to practice. I am the luckiest doctor in the world because if my patient wants to get better, I can get them better with whole food plant based diet and lifestyle change.

In your opinion, what is the best way to become more confident in plant-based nutrition? Are there any resources you would recommend?

For healthcare providers, I have an organized plea on HeartStrong.com for them to take plant based nutrition and lifestyle medicine seriously. You can read it here.

For non-healthcare workers, I recommend reading How Not To Die by Dr. Michael Greger and watch Forks Over Knives on Netflix. Simply work hard to learn the knowledge. Watch YouTube Videos, listen to podcasts, read all the books you can. However most importantly, YOU will have the power to save other lives if you spread the word about the power of plant based diets, even if you are not a physician. To give a powerful overview, I recorded a YouTube Video that you can view here.